Interview with James Storm, from backyard videos to the big screen, a journey.
Welcome Mr Storm, we are very excited to have you today and discuss about your work. So who is James Storm?
For me, filmmaking was a very organic experience. My family was enthusiastic about movies while I was growing up. So, it was a completely natural thing when I picked up the family movie camera and started making epic backyard productions starting at age six. By the time I had reached high school, I had several very serious full-length feature films in my repertoire. It was around that time that I formed my high-end digital video production studio called J.S. Co. PRODUCTIONS and began self- producing all of my own films. So, looking back, I never had a moment where I decided to become a filmmaker. As a little kid I just started making movies and never stopped. I’ve always known from the beginning exactly who I was and what I was here to do. I’m a filmmaker. I make films to entertain.
Can you tell us about your previous work?
Typically, I am a writer/ director and I’m producing all original film projects in house. However, recently I have been deliberately taking on some of my favorite icons from retro pop culture and producing a few high-end fan-films such as TWILIGHT ZONE: MAIKO THE OBAKE. I have also recently produced an award-winning Elton John psychedelic fantasy film titled CAPTAIN FANTASTIC AND THE MAGIC PIANO (2022). We are also very proud of our multi award- winning fan film MEET MY PET MONSTER (2022), which has become one of our breakout hits of the summer.
CONVERSATION ABOUT: The Twilight Zone: Maiko The Obake
Talk to us about your films ? How were they created ? Any inspirations ?
Growing up, I was inspired by the original Twilight Zone series created by the great Rod Serling so much that one of my earliest backyard movies was an original Twilight Zone fan film called Vortex Of Time (1992). In the following decades I was disappointed to see the series that I loved so much suffer through reboot after terrible reboot. Contemplating this, I eventually concluded that the reason why these reboots kept failing was because they all strayed away from Rod Serling’s original vision. They kept trying to reinvent perfection. And you can’t re-invent perfection. That’s how I began thinking that if I was to ever make a Twilight Zone themed film, I would try to keep it within the style and cadence of the original show, even if that meant filming it in black and white. I was determined to prove that a fresh modern story could in fact still fit the traditional formula of Rod’s vision.
Why was the use of Black/White selected and what does it add to the story ?
Instead of trying to re-invent the show, we were faced with the even more difficult task of replicating the original look of the show. That included shooting in the vintage television format of a 4:3 ratio and of course filming in black and white. This was especially difficult when making sure the new footage would blend seamlessly with classic footage of which we sampled and reconstructed to create hybrid shots. Even the lightning in a few shots was sampled from a classic episode. You might not realize it but it’s in your subconscious somewhere. This film is so full of Easter eggs, homages, and references to the original show that a seasoned fan might not even catch them all. We went to great lengths to get the look right and it was worth it because it brings true authenticity to our film. We have often been told that our film feels just like watching a classic episode from the 60’s.
How would you describe your art style ?
As a child of the 80’s, my style is in the tradition of Steven Spielberg or George Lucas. Or, at least I try to be. My films are primarily stories of action, adventure, and romance. I’ve always felt that movies should first and foremost entertain. Movies have the power to bring people together or tear them apart. I prefer to bring people together. Having the ability to gather an audience and unite them in the name of fun, is an incredible honor and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
So Mr Storm, How was the genre selected ?
I know it might seem arbitrary or perhaps even a bit silly to go to such lengths to create a new episode of a show over 60 years old. Although it might look like an arbitrary fan film, this was actually a major cinematic and academic endeavor for us. I think every filmmaker at some point dreams about taking on a favorite classic icon and contemplates what it would look like under their direction. For me, this was a huge test of my technical knowledge as a filmmaker that forced me to push my boundaries. It was important for me to make a technically accurate film for no other reason than to see if I could do it better than the other guys. That was mostly my motivating factor. Could I really produce something worthy of the original masters? Could I actually make a fresh Twilight Zone story that felt like a lost episode from the original series? I humbly submit that we did.
FUTURE WORK AND CLOSING LETTER
What is the message the audience should convey leaving the screening of your film ?
I feel like the overall message of my film is that ultimately, movies should entertain, even if you must sneak in the underlying message somewhere. Let’s not forget why humanity fell in love with the cinema in the first place. All the best allegories are lessons you didn’t even know you were learning. I think it’s the ultimate test of an artist’s creative ability to convey in film a critical message in the most entertaining of ways. And no show ever did this better than Rod Serling’s original Twilight Zone
What is the target audience of the project?
I made this film with two primary targets in mind. The first target audience is the long-standing fans of the original series. This was a fan film made with love by fans for fans and we are hoping that this film will bring back all those fun and nostalgic feelings that they had watching the original series. Our second target audience would be the younger generation that is not familiar with the original series. Perhaps our film can be an introductory doorway that introduces new generations to the perfection of the original series.
Is there a project in the future? And personal wishes.
As of right now we are several years into production on our most anticipated and most important film project to date. It will be a novel and feature film titled, Where the Dragons Sleep (2024). WTDS is the semi-autobiographical story of my film crew and I as we struggle to make our underground movies while navigating the dangers of what we like to call dark Hollywood. If you would like to follow the progress of this or any of our other films, please check out our official company website @: www.jscompanyproductions.com Last, I would like to give some honor to my mentors: Producer John O’Melveney Woods and the great master of Hawaiian Folklore, Kahuna Lopaka Kapanui, who both greatly inspired me to make this film. I hope this makes them proud.
That was the interview with our beloved creator James Storm. Our community is rising everyday, new talented filmakers and screenwriters get onboard. Be sure to check the rest of our interviews and why not order one for yourself to promote your work. To order an interview simply submit on the INTERVIEW OF YOUR FILM category on our Filmfreeway page.
